Dedicated taskforce to target gangs

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Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Paul Stephenson emphasised that tackling knife crime was the force's "number one priority".

Speaking at a Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) meeting, he said the officers would be deployed to the worst affected of London's 32 boroughs "with immediate effect".

Teams of officers have already been deploying to trouble hotspots since the launch of Operation Blunt 2 in May. Armed with wands and knife arches, the officers have been carrying out searches using powers under Section 60 of the Public Order Act, which allows them to operate under the presumption of reasonable suspicion.

Earlier in the week Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair announced that 1,214 people were arrested for possession of weapons and other knife-related crimes as part of the operation between May 19 and June 29.

Mr Stephenson said: "Sadly, in recent days two more young people have been stabbed to death. Clearly the message is not getting through.

"To build on the co-ordinated activity already being carried out by all 32 London police borough command units under Blunt 2, we are increasing the police officer strengths in those boroughs most affected with immediate effect with the establishment of a dedicated 75-strong Blunt 2 taskforce.

"This is being drawn from resources across the Met - under the leadership of Commander Maxine de Brunner - to increase the drive against known gang members and their associates. It will also increase our pro-active capability in relation to supporting our search operations.

"In addition, senior officers have been tasked to review all current police operations and to identify whether further officers can be diverted to support the effort locally in areas where the knife problem is causing the most concern. This reflects that tackling knife crime is the number one priority for the Met at this time."

Mr Stephenson said fewer people were being cautioned in relation to knife crime, with 95% of those arrested being charged if there was sufficient evidence.